Santa Monica

Santa Monica, located 16 miles west of downtown Los Angeles, is home to the irresistible namesake beach and pier. Santa Monica Pier is often the first port of call for many visitors, with its iconic giant Ferris wheel, rattling steel rollercoaster, and delightfully nostalgic amusement arcades.

The city is also home to one of the region’s best-loved beaches, a perpetually sun-kissed expanse of golden sand, with plenty of gently crashing waves, ideal for budding surfers. As the sun goes down, grab an outdoor table at a hip seafront bar, and enjoy the cooling ocean breeze with a colorful cocktail in hand.

What to see & do in Santa Monica

what’s around Santa Monica

Santa Monica State Beach

Palisades Park in Santa Monica

Where to shop & what to buy in Santa Monica

10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Santa Monica
Looking for the best places to go shopping in Santa Monica? There are so many superb retail neighborhoods in this bustling seaside suburb it can be hard to work out where to go. Los Angeles’ premier beach destination isn’t just for sunbathing and sightseeing; the coastal zone is a hit with both visitors and local shopaholics. From the busy boardwalk with...
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Where to go & what to do at night in Santa Monica

10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Santa Monica
There are plenty of things to do after dinner in the beachside city of Santa Monica. Its famous Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade are ideal places to wander, shop and stop for a drink, while lively bars and upscale sea-view lounges offer plenty of choices for unwinding after dinner. Santa Monica is also sprinkled with a diverse range of...
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